Terrace, B.C. air cadets have challenging duty at cenotaph

FOR A task that takes just two hours a year, those performing it require a lot of patience and a high degree of physical fitness.

The task belongs to four cadets from the local 747 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, who stand at the four corners of the cenotaph in front of city hall each Nov. 11.

They are posted there before the Remembrance Day parade winds its way down Lakelse Ave. following the service at the Tillicum Twin Theatre and continue to stand silently and still while multiple wreaths are laid and even afterward when the crowd that has gathered has dispersed.

Exactly how the four cadets are chosen takes place at one of the Thursday night cadet training sessions held immediately before each Remembrance Day, says Murray Hamer, a training officer with the squadron.

“It’s their appearance. Who has shined their boots, ironed their trousers, pressed their jackets. And cut their hair to regulation length,” says Hamer.

“Neat and clean. That’s how they’re chosen.”

Those chosen cadets must also be physically fit to be able to stand silently and patiently, adds Hamer.